The Legacy of Bernice Johnson-Reagan

Bernice Johnson-Reagan, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was instrumental in connecting music with political activism. As a founding member of the Freedom Singers, she used her vocal talents to inspire protesters facing significant challenges, including police brutality and imprisonment. Later in her career, she became a prominent scholar on protest songs and led initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution to preserve the music associated with the Civil Rights Movement. Her contributions, including the formation of the women's acapella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, solidified her legacy as a vital voice in African American music and culture.